Face Masks

A Face Masks is used once or twice a week to cleanse the skin more thoroughly than your daily routine does. It also refreshes the skin, tightens your pores and removes the top layer of dead cells more efficiently than you can with daily cleansing.

Applying a Face Masks is simple. First you must make sure your face (and hands) are clean. Second, use your astringent to tone your skin. Now put eye cream around your eyes to protect that fragile skin. Then put some of the masque on your fingertips and gently smooth it over your face, stopping at the area around the eyes, and onequarter inch from the hairline (you can also put some on your neck). As the masque is working, it will harden on your face.

After about ten minutes, you will feel your skin tighten-that's the masque revitalizing your skin. It's a good idea not to entertain in a masque, and to tell whomever you are living with what you are doing-women with masques on do resemble ghouls.

Usually Face Masks are left on the face for fifteen to thirty minutes (be sure to read the directions on the box). Try to unwind while your masque is on-in this way your facial muscles will also relax. I like to put on a masque while I take a bath; sometimes I do it while I lie in bed in the evening, learning my lines-when it is quiet and I can relax. When the time is up, I rinse my face with a warm, damp washcloth. I then apply my astringent and moisturizer-and go to bed.

Commercial Face Masks are available at drugstores, skin care centers and the cosmetic sections of department stores. If you prefer, you can make your own Masks at home. Two of my favorites are:

1. Take equal parts (one tablespoon will do) of yogurt and honey; add one egg yolk, and mix gently. Let it stand at room tem perature so it is not cold. Now apply the mixture to your face as per the instructions above. Let it stay on your face for twenty minutes.

2. Another favorite is made from avocados. Simply blend an avocado in a blender or food processor, adding a few drops of lemon (this acts as an astringent which will tighten your pores). Then put it on your face, leaving it on for twenty minutes. Be sure to tone and moisturize when you are done.

How to use a Mask

Wash your face. Always wash face in upward, circular motions. Always do to your neck whatever you do to your face. After washing face, remove residue with a wet cloth and splash thirteen times. Masks work best when they're applied to clean, dry skin.

Don't keep a mask on longer than suggested.  Not keeping it on long enough will be a waste of money and time.

Rinse your face thoroughly with warm water after removing your mask.

Follow up with your favorite toner or freshener, and then apply your moisturizer or night treatment.